“I'm mostly gluten free so I was super happy to learn that everything on the menu including their Chocolate Chip Cookies was gluten free. My husband had a craving for Pho and I wanted a Salad so we decided to make the trek to Burlingame and try this place since I also wanted to visit Five Little Monkeys. First to arrive were the Chicken Pho which came out piping hot and the Banh Mi Chicken Sandwich. The Salmon Salad took longer to prepare. That was fine by me since it would be fresh. The Pho was good but not as good at a Pho restaurant but it satisfied the craving. My husband ate the whole thing and drank up the broth though he said it wasn't great. They gave too much hot sauce so that was a waste. My son liked his Banh Mi. He didn't have it with jalapenos though. The second half was eaten by my husband who said it was a nice sandwich with good bread. I liked my Salmon Salad though I wish I had not dumped the entire contents of dressing over my greens. It was too wet but delicious nonetheless. The Salmon was prepared really well and had a great flavor of lemongrass. Service was friendly. The restroom was clean but the toilet didn't flush well. You had to wait and flush the pee and toilet paper a few times.“
“I would highly recommend the black sesame with coconut filling birthday cake. It is so yummy and not sweet. Great and friendly customer service. I have ordered the same birthday cake two months in a row. This will be my Go To place for getting birthday cakes. Please support our local restaurants.“
“Delicious vegan food, friendly and helpful waitstaff. Not a fancy place - decor, menus, furniture all worn and low-key. But it's what's inside that counts, and what's inside are novel and creative vegan takes on dishes from around the world, including Argentina, Thailand, Mexico, Central Asia, Japan, and the US.“
“I have eaten here four times now and every meal is incredible, and for an airport hotel restaurant, truly unbelievable. The hotel is lovely in every way, miles beyond the alternatives. But the restaurant is one of the reasons I stay here whenever I have a morning flight. Tonight had the lobster miso bisque, and the seared scallops, and I don't think I've had better versions of either in a decade. The scallops and the lobster were as tender as they could ever be and the flavors were amazing. Service and ambience is great too. They have wines by the glass that you normally must pay for a bottle - and a first rate twist on a Paper Plane if you're a cocktail person. Be sure to get a table by the window to watch the planes...“
Hawaiian • $$
“Hula hoops staff happily accommodated our large group of 14 on a rainy Saturday night at a very last minute request.They have offered 1000/10 service to the group despite a full house, and have provided amazing food and drinks! Hands down amazing fusion of hawaiian and filipino food.Their drinks are 10000/10!!!“
“Upon entering, the setting was cozy, dimly lit, and there were modest decorations. The waiter bowed and greeted us with a friendly smile. Though they were the only one serving, so it was slightly slow; understandable though. They were still very polite and helpful. Food was light, healthy, and tasty. Samosas were probably the healthiest samosas I've ever had. We also ordered the Pad See Ew (vegetable) as well as brown rice with sweet and sour veggie chicken, which were both sooo delicious. It was fairly busy on a Saturday at 7pm...almost a full house. Overall, great experience. The food tasted and felt like exactly what a body needs! So tasty and healthy. Prices were also fair. I would definitely recommend this place.“
“There are so many options on the menu, and I just wish I could try them all someday. Every single dish is nearly perfect, with some tasting even better than those in the original country.The food here is accessible even for first-timers and those who have never had Asian food before.I’ve heard that the chef is an expert with extensive professional experience in Japan, which reflects in the choice of ingredients that perfectly complement each dish’s flavors.Not to mention the high quality of their service; all the staff are prompt and friendly, well-trained, and equipped with knowledge and experience, ensuring customers have a comfortable and enjoyable time during their visit.It’s the perfect place to recommend, invite, and gather with your friends and family at any time!“
Asian Fusion • $$
“Nestled in the heart of San Carlos, Nursel Central Asian & Russian Cuisine emerges as a beacon of culinary delight, offering an authentic taste of Kyrgyzstan's rich and comforting flavors. This hidden gem, though unassuming in its location, has quickly become a sanctuary for those craving the warm, homemade essence of Central Asian cuisine, particularly resonating with the Russian-speaking communities and those from former Soviet states.From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the aroma of traditional dishes that speak volumes of the Kyrgyz culinary heritage. The menu, a carefully curated collection of favorites, features the soulful Plov, hearty Lagman, delicate Pelmeni, and the succulent Chicken Stroganoff, each dish promising a journey to the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The Napoleon Cake and the Carrot Salad stand out as must-tries, embodying the essence of homemade delight.Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the food, with many highlighting the Borscht, Olivie, and the uniquely prepared Kuurdak for their exceptional taste and comforting flavors. The hospitable service, often led by a gracious Kyrgyz lady, adds a personal touch that makes every dining experience feel like a visit to a beloved family home.Nursel is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural haven that bridges the gap between the Bay Area and the distant steppes of Kyrgyzstan. It stands out as a rare find in the region, offering a taste of Slavic-descendant nations' cuisine, which is both rare and cherished in this part of the world.Whether you're well-acquainted with Central Asian dishes or eager to explore new culinary territories, Nursel promises an experience that's both familiar and novel. It's a heartfelt invitation to indulge in the genuine flavors of Kyrgyzstan, making it a must-visit for anyone in the Bay Area looking to explore the rich tapestry of Central Asian cuisine.“
“It was a rainy day when I walked into this restaurant. Almost felt like actually being in Hawaii in a way. The host gave us an friendly aloha and we sat down. We noticed the decor definitely had the "tiki" vibe. This place has all the Hawaiian food you would normally find inside the 48 contiguous states. I didn't anything like poi, which is more of an acquired taste but you're more likely to find that in Hawaii. I got Loco Moco and my fiancèe Guava Steak. For the appetizers, we got the spam musubi with eggs. I preferred the Guava Steak over the the Loco Moco. Not that they're comparable dishes but it's more suited to my taste palate. It was more juicy. Not that there was anything wrong with the Loco Moco, it tasted great. But I ate it many times at other restaurants, it didn't really stand out to me. If you're just looking for Hawaiian vibes with food, this is a good place to check out.“
“I love this place. Every time I come here they are so friendly. And their food is truly the best. A fusion of Thai, and Chinese cuisine. My favorite dish is the butter garlic crab with french fries. If you order it with a side of garlic noodles it's truly amazing. Their spicy Fried rice has chicken and shrimp in it and is actually very original in taste. Stephanie and Allie have always treated me well. This place is a gathering point of this particular community and most importantly, it's open very late. When everyone else is closed, this is the place you go to for gourmet food when you don't want to have a slice of pizza or fast food. I have met so many good acquaintances here. And this is where I bring guests that are flying in from out of town first. They are right next to the airport......“
“Came here on a Thursday for my friends birthday. We sat at the counter & next to us was another party of 2. I believe they only open up the reservations for a certain amount of people so it's not too overwhelming. The food exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised with the different flavors that were incorporated. I have already made another reservation to come here for my birthday. Their chawanmushi was soft & memorable topped off with uni & abalone, i could eat a giant bowl of this. The chef was nice and talkative. I will definitely be back.“
“From the service, to wait time, to food. This place is top notch. Best dumplings I’ve had in the Bay Area and yes I have tried a lot. I’m not getting paid for this review although I wish I was. Really good dumplings, try them out and get the chili “
“My husband and I have gone here more than a few times, and the service is amazing, fast, and welcoming. The food is always fresh, hot, and full of flavors. The ambiance feels like home it's family-friendly. Definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone!“
“The food here is really, really good. I came here to eat out with a friend of mine and ordered the house garlic noodles, Dungeness crab, and imperial rolls. I can't say much about the service since they gave me and my friend lots of time to catch up, so depending on what you expect, it's pretty good. That's why I gave service 4 stars. Good, but not exactly outstanding. The atmosphere is really nice. I would personally sit on a patio if it's offered, but that's completely your choice.“
“Super cute tiny spot! We came during rush hour so the wait for our order was 40 mins to an hour. The ladies were super sweet and gave us free donuts though! They're really funny and made it a bit better. The drinks themselves were just the right amount of sweetness and we'd definitely recommend the ube boba drink!“
“Excellent salad bowls clearly prepared by folks who care about providing healthy delicious meals. Came across this place when the owner posted on Nextdoor this weekend. Ordered through DoorDash and the food arrived in great condition. The bowls were very well prepared per our instructions and they even put cute little hearts on the boxes which my wife adored. The owner truly cares about providing the customers a great experience.The bowls were very tasty and portion size was very good. The chicken was perfect, and the sauces (makhani and chaat) were super tasty as well. The waffle egg in a heart shape was not only novel but very appetizing as well. This is a very novel concept and we are big fans. We will certainly order regularly!“
“This is one of the better lunches I've had in a long time. The portion size is huge and tastes really good. Simple abs fresh ingredients. The service is quick and everyone was friendly and helpful. I've gotten take out and I've dined in it's definitely better if you have the time to sit down and eat.“
“Quality food. However very limited vegetarian options. Spring rolls and the dry noodles (pictured) are the only vegetarian dishes. The dry noodles have no sauce or seasoning. Was just boiled vegetables and noodles! I believe the mushrooms are supposed to impart the flavor. It was hard to eat. They also didnt have any house table sauces.One star less for the vegetarians. Vegetarians should skip this place. Otherwise food quality is good ?“
“I had been here YEARS ago pretty much right when the opened up for lunch plates and didn't remember it being great. I had a place in Pacifica that I really liked so for years I never went back despite the fact that I live only 2 miles or less away. We were in the mood for chinese and decided to go and check it out on a take-out for dinner. Got a dinner special and it was really pretty darn good. If you want to eat healthy then you will probably need to go off the ala carte menu. But the dinner for 2 was a ton of food and we had leftovers for lunch the next day. For me this is more a lunch plate or to-go as the restuarant is pretty low key but in a pinch i would sit there. They were very nice too which was sort of against what our memory was of the place.“
“Thai tea is basic, it's reliable, but I wanted to be adventurous and try the green thai tea. I asked them what the difference was, and was told it was a little more floral but it's similar but different depending on who you ask. In my opinion, it was quite different from normal thai tea. It definitey was more floral, but still subtly floral in the general sense. I got it with less ice and 70% sweetness, which was perfect. I do love floral and strong tea tastes and this really hit the spot. It feels like it's high in caffeine content. Tasty! My friend had the coffee drink, which he liked. I tasted a little bit of sea salt in there. The inside of the eatery is pretty big, with an entire back area (where the bathroom is) that you might miss if you're just coming to grab a drink to go. It's a nice place to sit and have long chats with friends.“
“Great Japanese BBQ restaurant. Food is always fresh and consistent. Service is quick. Love the atmosphere too, everybody working is so upbeat and nice. Try to come during their happy hour, good deal and less crowded. Great value all around, always fun experience and our go-to place for family gathering.“
“This was the best vegetarian pho I have ever had. The broth was rich and flavorful. The fried tofu was yummy. The noodles were chewy. Personally, I would have preferred smaller carrot chunks, but everything else about the soup was overwhelmingly positive. I would come back again any day of the week.Vegetarian options: There is vegetarian pho and the buddha sandwich.“
“Great food in large portions for a reasonable price. Recommend 3+ people for optimal family style experience. Nice ambiance. Not quite what I'd call upscale- laminated menus, silverware wrapped in the napkin- but nicer ambiance and experience than something strictly casual. Our server was prompt, friendly, humored my friend's attempt to pronounce things correctly, and checked in enough.“
“This was one of our favorite meals in a while. Kemuri is our current favorite restaurant and I would drive up from South Bay just for a meal there. Highly recommend checking this place out.Our favorite dishes were the mushroom tempura, spicy chicken wings, and wagyu rice bowl/paella. We thought the unagi sliders were just okay and would love to try other dishes like the garlic fried shrimp and black cod.“
“Great service, and the skewers were great! We ordered a variety of skewers and most of them, though a little pricey, were very nice. We particularly enjoyed the Chicken Thigh with Green Onions, the Bacon Tomato which was bursting with flavour, and the Beef Tongue. We tried the Scallop with Uni skewer, but felt that the flavours didn't work too well with each other. The Curry Gyutan Over Rice dish that we got was a bit disappointing though, as the meat was not that high of quality, so would definitely recommend sticking with ordering just skewers. Great atmosphere and nice seating on both first and second floors. You could also smell the grills of the kitchen, which definitely helped make this feel like an authentic Japanese skewer place!“
“De.Lish.Us. Worth the wait for sure. Want sure how to eat it since they brought me a giant spoon, so used it to mix it up then used my sticks. Was super hot (temperature) but tasted great! I'll be back. (Can we turn the heat up inside, though?)“
“We ordered chicken biryani and steamed chicken momos. The momos looked like potstickers unlike the ones i see here with the reviews. This is the first time we're having it though so I'mnot sure.I really liked the chicken biryani. Itbwas spicy for me. If you can't tolerate spice, ask them if they can lower the heat. They did not skimp on the chicken. Portion sizes are on the smaller side though. One order is good for 2 people with normal appetite. If you have a huge appetite or hungry, an order is good for 1 person.Staff was very friendly. The place is small. Maybe just 6, max 8 tables inside. If you come on a weekday before dinner time, I think you will be ok. There is also outside seating so it is not a problem. I would go back to try other dishes besides the ones we ordered.“
“My family and I were visiting in the area and I wanted to find a restaurant that suited everyone's palates: a vegan, a very picky eater, and a big appetite (that would be me). House of Fusion was appealing because it offered both Chinese and Japanese food. We opted to dine-in, but it seems like a majority of the business is take-out. They don't have a ton of seating, but have several tables for max groups of 4--perfect for us. It was a drizzly day and the restaurant was a little bit cold, but the tables were extremely clean (if a little austere) and all of the women who helped us out were extremely kind. The Chinese lunch specials came out first and the portions were a little on the small side, but when I finally got it I was blown away by my tempura combo: miso soup, salad, rice, and a PILE of tempura including kabocha (my favorite, though rarely included in tempura combos). I thought the vegetable tempura was a little nicer: hot and still crispy. I think the shrimp may have been fried first and were noticeably cooler, and the batter was a bit thicker. I think your experience at this restaurant will highly depend on what you order, and I recommend the tempura! I can't say enough about how sweet all the ladies were to my family and I, and we had a nice little chat as we were settling the bill. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely come back for the vegetable tempura!“
“Ai Grill's charm is definitely the automatically rotating skewer system and the binchotan charcoal that they bring out just for your table once you place your order. Paired with the neon lights and stylish interior, a bbq dinner here definitely felt tasted like a premium experience while still supporting a local mom and pop restaurant. My friend and I had a great time here ordering via the ala carte skewers, wagyu fried rice, and a sweet potato fries side. The skewers were packed with smoky umami with our favorites being the lamb, US prime beef, and pork jowl. The sweet potato fries were also so light and crispy that we couldn't help but grab more - we finished this at lightning speed.Our server was so sweet and attentive, giving us detailed instructions on the best cooking time/sauce pairing for each meat, checking in several times with water, and offering free watermelon and coupons to finish off the meal. Overall this was a super satisfying dinner for both food and service quality. Just one minor critique I have is that Ai Grill's price point positions this to be a "once in a while" dinner rather than an easy splurge, despite skewers being a street food genre. I tend to think of beef and lamb skewers as the showstealers when it comes to Chinese bbq, but beef skewers starting at ~$7 here brings some hesitation to go big with the first skewer order. I genuinely hope that Ai Grill keeps growing their customer base since their weekend service still had space to fill when we went (granted we went right at opening time).“
“Old school neighborhood Chinese restaurant!The place was empty when we arrived. We were seated promptly. That was the end of the promptness. The waitress showed up eventually and returned a while later to take our order. The food plates came out gradually. We were in no hurry so it was all good for us. Everything was very good. I thought we had bought too much food. But we ate all of it.The building is an old school 1940's? Ish place on the foothills of the inside of the bowl that forms Brisbane. Up slightly from the town below there are large windows with loads of natural light that look out to the small town.I am very sensitive to msg and the staff assured me they add none to their dishes. Indeed I ate hot and sour soup, broccoli beef and other plates that escape me with no problems.If you are nearby I strongly suggest a stop in at NaNa's. She ain't in a rush and neither should you be.“
“Bonchon Korean fried chicken in San Mateo is a fantastic dining experience. The first thing that struck me upon entering the restaurant was how clean and well-maintained it is. The staff is incredibly friendly and provides top-notch service, making you feel warmly welcomed from the moment you step inside.Now, let's talk about the food. The Korean fried chicken at Bonchon is truly outstanding. Each piece is perfectly cooked, with a crispy and flavorful exterior that gives way to tender and juicy meat inside. The chicken is coated in a delectable sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor and makes each bite truly irresistible. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a sweeter glaze, Bonchonnnnn has a variety of options to satisfy every palate.Aside from the mouthwatering chicken, Bonchon also offers a range of delicious sides and appetizers. From their addictive kimchi to their flavorful rice dishes, every item on the menu is crafted with care and attention to detail. The combination of flavors and textures creates a harmonious symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.Overall, Bonchon Korean fried chicken in San Mateo is a must-visit for anyone looking for a clean and inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding food. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or simply in search of a memorable dining experience, Bonchon will exceed your expectations.“
“The food tastes so delicious. This restaurant operates by a couple, they are so nice to customers. But they didn't hire any staff to take orders/packing the delivery/clean up tables, they do that all by themselves, which I totally understand because the owner told me it is very difficult to run a restaurant after a pandemic, it is impossible to earn any revenue if they hire staff. BTW, one of the best family restaurants in Millbrae San Mateo.“
“I thoroughly enjoy their vegetable coins and chili garlic noodles; the flavors are truly delightful. However, I've noticed a decrease in portion size that doesn't quite match the prices. It would be great if they could reconsider this aspect for a more satisfying dining experience.“
“As the name suggests, it's a place for quick milk tea and bubble tea options. And by quick, I do mean that they are very fast at making drinks. They do have chewy milk tea, but the flavor of their tea isn't as strong as I would have liked.They have increased the amount and types of food they serve with plenty of street snacks, rice bowls, and even ramen!“
“Delicious poke place! I ordered delivery, but since you can choose two servings of rice, I don't recommend two servings of brown rice haha. It was nice that it was open until late. Oh, and it seems like there are plenty of small bowls.We ordered online and we built our own. The food was delicious! I want to try different sauces next time!“
“In the area and craving sushi. Overall good experience. The restaurant was busy and customers were happy. We ordered the Lion King sushi, the unagi roll (bbq eel rolled like a cone), udon noodles with chicken. The food had some amazing flavors. The noodles were tender and delicious. I asked for some hot seasoning and was given a small bottle with some kind of seasoning salt which was nice and spicy, the Lion king sushi pieces were larger than expected, and the unagi cone was good but different. The restaurant had some cool vibes.“
“No parking. No place to eat. Sushi isn't meant to be delivered in my opinion. You have to order online. Their QRcode on the door is outdated and doesn't actually take your order. Price doesn't really make sense when there is no dine in option...“
“Usually get the banh mi sandwiches here that are very good with delicious bread and generous fillings. The price is more than usual for banh mi, but that’s the Ave for you. Strangely due to it being a Vietnamese cafe, they have a lot of Japanese curry dishes here as well.“